Heart of England

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London


London

Tour summary

6 days

England

8 meals

18 guests (max)

Driver

Trip leader

Luxury minicoach

Twin-share / double / double for single occupancy

5 nights in thoughtfully selected accommodation

5 nights

Step into storybook England, where Oxford enchants with its ‘dreaming spires’ and Bath inspires with its Roman and Georgian architecture. Trace Shakespeare’s footsteps in Stratford-upon-Avon as you visit his timbered childhood home. Indulge in the sweet and savoury delights of high tea in the charming Cotswolds. And pause in Lacock Abbey, where hushed cloisters whisper of movie magic and centuries past. Delve into the heart of England with us, where your next chapter is ready to begin.

Tour highlights

  • Visit the childhood home and final resting place of William Shakespeare in Stratford-upon-Avon
  • Enjoy high tea at a charming village nestled amongst the Cotswolds
  • Discover the rich culture and extraordinary architecture of Bath 

Tour itinerary

Day 1 - London (England)

After meeting the group in England’s vibrant capital, we’ll get to know one another over a delicious welcome dinner at the hotel.

After meeting the group in England’s vibrant capital, we’ll get to know one another over a delicious welcome dinner at the hotel.

Included today

Accommodation

Wellington by Blue Orchid (or similar)

Meals
  • Dinner

Day 2 - London – Oxford – Stratford-upon-Avon

After breakfast, we’ll set our sights on our first stop: charming Oxford. Here, we’ll learn about the poets, professors, scientists and sporting heroes that have graced the city’s streets over the years with a locally guided walking tour. Then: we’ll venture through quintessential English countryside to meet with the Cotswolds. This charming area is a patchwork of green hills and farmland, peppered with centuries-old villages and caramel-hued cottages. We’ll enjoy some free time to stroll the elegant terraced High Street of Chipping Campden – before tucking into another delicious group dinner at our hotel in Stratford-upon-Avon.

After breakfast, we’ll set our sights on our first stop: charming Oxford. Here, we’ll learn about the poets, professors, scientists and sporting heroes that have graced the city’s streets over the years with a locally guided walking tour. Then: we’ll venture through quintessential English countryside to meet with the Cotswolds. This charming area is a patchwork of green hills and farmland, peppered with centuries-old villages and caramel-hued cottages. We’ll enjoy some free time to stroll the elegant terraced High Street of Chipping Campden – before tucking into another delicious group dinner at our hotel in Stratford-upon-Avon.

Included today

Accommodation

Swan’s Nest Hotel (or similar)

Meals
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Day 3 - Stratford-upon-Avon – Cotswolds – Stratford-upon-Avon

The life and times of William Shakespeare will take centre stage today when we pay a visit to the playwright’s timbered childhood home and his wife Anne Hathaway’s pretty thatched cottage. A stroll through the blooming gardens here is a must! We’ll have some time to enjoy lunch at our leisure – before we explore some picturesque Cotswolds hamlets this afternoon. This evening will be ours to spend at our leisure.

The life and times of William Shakespeare will take centre stage today when we pay a visit to the playwright’s timbered childhood home and his wife Anne Hathaway’s pretty thatched cottage. A stroll through the blooming gardens here is a must! We’ll have some time to enjoy lunch at our leisure – before we explore some picturesque Cotswolds hamlets this afternoon. This evening will be ours to spend at our leisure.

Included today

Accommodation

Swan’s Nest Hotel (or similar)

Meals
  • Breakfast

Day 4 - Stratford-upon-Avon – Lacock – Bath

Day four promises to be an indulgent one, with an afternoon of high tea on the agenda before we move on to Lacock. This showstopper of a village often doubles as a film set, and you may recognise it from Pride and Prejudice or The Other Boleyn Girl. After imagining ourselves as costume drama heroes and heroines, we’ll step inside the magnificent abbey – whose peaceful cloisters took a starring turn as the Hogwarts hallways in the Harry Potter series. Then: onwards to Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed city with true ‘wow’ factor, where we’ll make ourselves at home for our final two nights. This evening, we’ll spend exploring Bath at our own pace.

Day four promises to be an indulgent one, with an afternoon of high tea on the agenda before we move on to Lacock. This showstopper of a village often doubles as a film set, and you may recognise it from Pride and Prejudice or The Other Boleyn Girl. After imagining ourselves as costume drama heroes and heroines, we’ll step inside the magnificent abbey – whose peaceful cloisters took a starring turn as the Hogwarts hallways in the Harry Potter series. Then: onwards to Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed city with true ‘wow’ factor, where we’ll make ourselves at home for our final two nights. This evening, we’ll spend exploring Bath at our own pace.

Included today

Accommodation

The Abbey Hotel (or similar)

Meals
  • Breakfast

Day 5 - Bath

After receiving a fascinating insight into Roman life on a morning visit to the Roman Baths, we’ll visit the museum at No. 1 Royal Crescent. The afternoon will then be yours to explore the city for yourself. You could enjoy a bit of ‘me time’ at Thermae Bath Spa (Britain’s only thermal spa), and bathe in mineral-rich waters while scanning the skyline from the rooftop pool – or, if you’d prefer to explore on foot, you could discover Bath’s proud independent side as you wander past stylish boutiques and celebrated coffee shops. At our last dinner together, we’ll swap stories and look back on our English journey with fond memories.

After receiving a fascinating insight into Roman life on a morning visit to the Roman Baths, we’ll visit the museum at No. 1 Royal Crescent. The afternoon will then be yours to explore the city for yourself. You could enjoy a bit of ‘me time’ at Thermae Bath Spa (Britain’s only thermal spa), and bathe in mineral-rich waters while scanning the skyline from the rooftop pool – or, if you’d prefer to explore on foot, you could discover Bath’s proud independent side as you wander past stylish boutiques and celebrated coffee shops. At our last dinner together, we’ll swap stories and look back on our English journey with fond memories.

Included today

Accommodation

The Abbey Hotel (or similar)

Meals
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Day 6 - Bath – Longleat House and Avebury – London

The current seat of the Marquess of Bath, the impressive Longleat House blends classic architecture with creative interiors – and it’s here that we’ll start the day. We’ll have plenty of time to explore before we move on to Avebury, an immense stone circle set within an ancient landscape of enigmatic monuments, tombs and roads. While Stonehenge attracts tourists from around the world and does not permit close access, at Avebury we’ll have the opportunity to walk freely among the standing stones. Steeped in mystery, this prehistoric stone circle is a fascinating sight – and makes for a tremendous final stop. Later this afternoon, our trip will come to a close back in London.

The current seat of the Marquess of Bath, the impressive Longleat House blends classic architecture with creative interiors – and it’s here that we’ll start the day. We’ll have plenty of time to explore before we move on to Avebury, an immense stone circle set within an ancient landscape of enigmatic monuments, tombs and roads. While Stonehenge attracts tourists from around the world and does not permit close access, at Avebury we’ll have the opportunity to walk freely among the standing stones. Steeped in mystery, this prehistoric stone circle is a fascinating sight – and makes for a tremendous final stop. Later this afternoon, our trip will come to a close back in London.

Included today

Meals
  • Breakfast

Things we think you'll love

A server pours tea for travellers experiencing an afternoon tea-time.
Signature moment

A lady's high tea

Cradle a warm china teacup in your hands as you sip on English tea in the comfort of a 15th-century family home nestled in the Cotswolds. Whilst you relax, your elegant hostess will share fables of the local area.

A view of Shakespeare's Schoolroom and Guildhall in Stratford Upon Avon.

Shakespeare's home town

Stroll where famed literary hero strolled in the quaint town of Stratford-upon-Avon, visiting Shakespeare's childhood home and final resting spot.

A view of Bath Cathedral in the heart of the city.

Bath's architectural timelines

Travel through time in Bath, where Roman and Georgian architecture blend together in a stunning and sophisticated way.

Read the reviews

Verified customer feedback powered byFeefo

4

Angela Ma May 2025

As we were due to do a cruise around the British Isles, this tour was the perfect add on to see this beautiful part of the country. We couldn’t have been more impressed by the gorgeous scenery and...

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5

Anonymous April 2025

Excellent value and experience

5

Jennifer Gr October 2024

This tour is wonderful. The places we went to were spectacular. It's hard to pick favourites, but mine were the Cotswolds and Bath.
I had an amazing time and as a solo traveller I was welcomed and...

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5

Anonymous October 2024

Guide Terry Gibson (and driver Phil) were outstanding and toook the best care of us all. The tour was well planned, the sites we visited were beautiful and well presented. Our high tea was amazing...

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5

Jon Fi October 2024

This was truly the best group tour I have ever been on. It was well organized, perfectly placed, very entertaining, and highly informative. The tour guide, Terry Gibson, was professional and helpful...

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4

Lyn October 2024

The tour was excellent. The highlight was the Cotswold villages with their stone houses, thatched roofs and running streams. Our tour guide and driver provided a fun atmosphere. Hotels were of a...

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5

Anonymous October 2024

Very well organized. Guide (Darren) and driver (Phil) simply the best. Fun tour. Enjoyed seeing the beautiful Cotswold villages and learning the history of the area.

5

Douglas Mc October 2024

Guide Darren and driver Phil treated us to a fact and fun filled week around the Cotswolds. Darren’s commentary and banter was well received and added to the enjoyment and knowledge of this beautiful...

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5

Anonymous October 2024

Our tour guide, Darren, and the driver Phil were both great. We never felt pressured to rush, and Darren was very knowledgeable and fun. Our only disappointment was the Wellington Blue Orchid Hotel...

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4

Anonymous September 2024

Lovely villages, interesting history

5

Matthew Go September 2024

Charlie was outstanding.

4

Michael Ma September 2024

The tour takes you to great places. The Cotswalds and Bath are scenic wonders and if you had any relationship with Shakespeare in school,, Stratford on Avon may be the most fun. Our guides were very...

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5

Allison Ra June 2024

We covered a lot of ground in the five days. We were taken care of and had zero issues or concerns about getting from one place to the next.

5

Kathleen Ma June 2024

Saw many lovely places I've only seen on TV. Our tour guide was so knowledgeable and gave so many insights into historical places. He was also very friendly, patient and kind. Would certainly take...

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5

Anonymous June 2024

Our tour guide, Lesley and driver, Dennis looked after us throughout the tour. Our bus was a great size and accessible to parking and areas larger buses wouldn’t be able to go, also easy to see out...

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5

Robyn Ch June 2024

It was a most enjoyable tour. My special thanks to the Tour Leader and to the Tour Driver for all that they did for us. I was happy with the places we visited and were well covered, plus their...

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4

Wendy Ha June 2024

Nick was a super, knowledgeable guide, and Romeo was an excellent driver. The area covered in this tour is wonderful!
My only concern is that Day One of Back Roads tours begins at supper-time in...

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5

Anonymous May 2024

Will recommend this wonderful tour to all my friends.
Russell Smith

5

Anonymous May 2024

Excellent tour guide

4

Sandra Ke May 2024

We were very much looking forward to this tour and in most aspects it did not disappoint. The beautiful countryside that we saw on the way to Oxford and in the Cotswold's was a feast for the eyes. A...

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5

Anonymous May 2024

Exceeds expectations

3

Anonymous May 2024

The sites we saw were great. Our tour guide did not seem knowledgable about the area. She also did not give us advance notice about our daily itinerary and texted us the night before as how to...

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5

Anonymous April 2024

Well planned, good guide & driver.
A very happy tour.
I have done 7 tours with BRT now, all of a high standard of organisation & interest with flex ability when needed.
I have 2 more tours before I go...

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4

Sybil Ma April 2024

The tour would be great for those who haven’t been to mid England before.
There was a huge amount of time by yourself to fill in. I would have preferred more to do eg be shown some of the local...

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5

Anonymous April 2024

Easy paced
Very informative
Excellent accommodation
Well structured

4

Judi Ve October 2023

Cramped coach & the Wellington hotel VERY poor performance - it lets down the trip.

5

Cherryl Sp October 2023

It was really resonable for the type of small group. Driver & Guide made the trip special for us.

4

Susan He October 2023

It was wonderful. Only a small group. Our guide Rachel was perfect for the role.

5

Anonymous September 2023

Well worth the cost. Good value

5

Lauren Ba September 2023

Trip covered our most desired locations

4

Anonymous September 2023

Tour was great because of the places we visited.

5

Jennifer We September 2023

Excellent Tour!! I would recommend this tour and would use this company again.

5

Anonymous September 2023

Interesting places to see and good timing when travelling between them

5

Ruth We September 2023

This tour had almost everything we wanted to see. We would even consider taking it again.

5

Anonymous July 2023

Good value for the money!

5

Anonymous June 2023

Tour gave a taste of England outside of London, which we know well. Delightful towns, beautiful countryside, and fascinating history.

5

Anonymous October 2022

Very good guided tour both tour guide, drivers and fellow travellers

4

Anonymous September 2022

The tour itself was very good. I took my mom who is 80 and the pace of the tour was excellent. The sleeping arrangements were good except for the Shakespeare hotel. It was awful, out dated, dirty and...

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5

Brian Ga August 2022

Beautiful countryside with informative commentary from our guide.

5

Chester N September 2019

Beautiful countryside, history in our midst.

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Trip notes icon
Download tour notes

Full tour details covering accommodation, transport and included experiences are available in our tour notes.

FAQs

The weather in England is famously unpredictable! Generally, summer can be warm and sunny but rain and cloudy skies are still possible. Autumn and winter are cool, wet and windy. We suggest packing for changeable weather – layers, an umbrella and a trusty raincoat will be essential.  

Our thoughtfully selected accommodation is full of charm and historic details – expect elegant country inns, grand town centre hotels and even the odd castle! For this reason, rooms vary in size, and most hotels don’t have lifts – meaning you’ll likely need to access your room via stairs. Porterage will be included wherever possible.  

Although air conditioning is mostly unavailable in historic buildings, fans will be provided during hot spells. Most hotels have bathtubs with overhead showers (rather than walk-in showers), so you’ll be able to enjoy a soak at the end of the day. It’s common for kettles to be included in rooms in England, ready for you to make a refreshing cup of English tea!

Yes, during our time in Stratford-upon-Avon we pay a visit to Anne Hathaway’s pretty, thatched cottage. 

All the tour details in one handy document available to read at your leisure!

Download tour notes

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